I’m hypercritical when I’m very unhappy, and not feeling good about myself at all, or when it throws me into an area in which I lack trust in others (having confidence issues in that area).

I was never sure in the past, that my opinions mattered that much to anyone else; I’m sure they still don’t, unless specifically asked for. I hated the movie Titanic, because they focused on a love triangle, which I found boring and overdone. I thought there was enough drama on that ship, without the triangle (although I suppose they needed a focus). It didn’t get to me until the end – but so many people *loved* it.

I googled Julie & Julia, and found that the author was hated by a lot of people, and she didn’t like the movie version of herself. I’d been smiling and relaxed from the movie, only to end up dismayed at all of the hatred online.

I don’t ever read movie reviews. I don’t find them helpful at all.

There are certain types of movies that I know I can’t watch because I will pick them apart for being stupid. I don’t mean it in a snobby way because I can dissolve into hysterics over the old Pink Panther movies.

If they put something or enough things down enough, it’ll make them feel better about themselves!

Oh, yes: I get critical in specific situations. I hardly ever share my reviews of movies, music or anything. But then I already said that I rarely think my opinions matter to anyone but me.

Actually when I’m unhappy and not sure why, one of the things I do is lose myself in a movie or book. But I have to be alone … No one else watching with me or interrupting my reading. I forget to stuff my emotions and am free too cry (cleanse) then I can often get to a deeper layer of what’s going on in real life. (Neptune is prominate in my chart too)

“I also think people have unhappy periods and during these times, the joy they might get from a song or a movie might be diminished.”

I suspect this is true.

I am far more forgiving in a theatre or live performance than watching at home on video or recorded music. I am dazzled by a big screen. I love the theatre experience so much there are few movies I loathe while watching in this context and I will just leave it that’s the case.

I am less forgiving of novels and other written work; my standard is pretty high. I am critical of fashion even more because of the decreasing quality overall of many clothes as compared to years gone by. I can spot a bad seam instantly; same with buttons, zippers, etc.

I am forgiving about visual art in the way that I might be critical of how it appears but like to acknowledge someone’s effort.

Maidrya – I didn’t mean to imply something is wrong with people who are different than I am. My default position on something like this would be that something is wrong with me, not the other way around.

I also realize people are paid to be critics and am enormously critical myself when asked to be. I think it’s a big mistake not to have a Virgo look over your product before you launch, that’s for sure.

I did not have a particular point to make other than people have different natures and they do clash at times. I actually wrote another paragraph in this and edited it out right before I posted it. I guess if I’d have left it in, this might have been clearer.

Last, by my nature, I do not imply things. I say them straight out.

I could probably go on and on but since there are 10,000 blog posts here, I guess I’ll let them speak for themselves.

I’m with you Elsa. I get lost in movies very easily and my critical faculties are suspended for the duration. Mind you, I’m picky about what films I go to see and weed out beforehand those I’m pretty sure I won’t like. But once in the cinema I give myself over – whatever mood I’m in. I wallow. I suspend judgement. Very occasionally I cry. And yes, Neptune in 1st house trine Merc and Venus.

I just hate those websites that point out the mistakes/bloopers in movies (visible powerlines in Lord of the Rings or somesuch was one example). What’s the matter with these people? Where’s their imagination? Why spoil the experience?

You’re right. It jars.

I’m less entranced (and possibly more critical) about certain other art forms. Theatre for instance.

Another movie I enjoyed and got punished for it was Brad Pitt’s, “Legend Of The Fall”. I like storytelling, damn it!

Another movie I cried through, sitting next to my humorless date was “Shine”, although he knew he was a pill and liked my emotion.

Philadelphia also wrecked the fuck right out of me, with my date shaking his head and there is always the guy from match.com…

We were talking and discovered we both liked, Van Morrison. He asked which song was my favorite and I happily named one that make me smile from ear to ear.

He immediately told me that he was no longer interested in me – did not want to meet because my taste was so bad / unsophisticated.

I have had so much trouble like this.

Once, about 10 years ago, every cd I own was stolen from my truck. I had a blog then and people said if I would list what I owned, as a group, the readers would replace them for me. I did not do it because I did not want to be judged for my taste. I have had no music since then… er… that’s another story but it’s true.

I mean it’s not worth the pain.

I LOVE ‘Under a Tuscan Sun.’ Faulty production? I go to that movie for the light, the falling apart and the putting things and people together and the characters. I disappear for awhile with Neptune in the 9th and choose movies that allow me to disappear. It’s really good for me to be allowed to disappear:)

Julie and Julia, I go there, too for the food, the dual threads on a theme, and Meryl Streep. Reviews? Rarely do I seek them out. I’m not looking for another opinion, I looking for escape!

JB it was devastating but I also have Venus Neptune and had a remarkable experience.
The next morning I was driving home from the gym and I starting singing. This is when I realizing you can’t steal someone’s music because it’s in them.
I also thought that apparently they needed it more than I did.